If there’s one thing I want every family to know before their photography session, it’s this: your children don’t need to behave perfectly for me. If you’re searching for Melbourne Family Photographer | How to Prepare for Your Family Photos, here are some thoughts so you can make the most of your session.
They don’t need to sit still, smile on command, look at the camera or do everything they’re told.
In fact, some of the best family photographs happen when nobody is trying to make anything happen at all.
As a Melbourne family photographer specialising in relaxed, in-home family photography, I’ve learned that the secret to beautiful family photographs isn’t perfectly behaved children or perfectly planned outfits. It’s creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to simply be themselves.
And sometimes, the quickest way to take the joy out of your family photography session is to try a little too hard.
Here are a few things I’d love you to avoid before your next family photo session.
1. Trying to make your children behave
“Stop running.”
“Sit still.”
“Look at the camera.”
“Don’t touch that.”
Sound familiar?
I completely understand the temptation. You’ve invested in professional family photographs, and naturally, you want everything to go smoothly.
But constantly correcting your children can make them feel like they’re doing something wrong before we’ve even really started.
I’d much rather photograph your toddler running around the living room, your older child making silly faces or your little one climbing into your lap for a cuddle.
Your children don’t need to perform for me. They just need to be themselves.
2. Starting your session already stressed
A rushed morning. A busy day. Everyone is tired. Someone can’t find their shoes.
Sound familiar?
Children are incredibly good at picking up on our energy. If everyone is already feeling stressed before the session begins, it’s much harder to settle into the experience.
My advice? Keep the day as simple as possible.
Avoid scheduling too many activities before your family photography session. Give yourself enough time to get ready without rushing, and allow a little breathing room before I arrive.
Your session shouldn’t feel like another appointment you have to get through.
3. Bribing your children before we even begin
“If you’re good, you can have ice cream.”
“If you smile for the photographer, we’ll get you a treat.”
I get it. We’ve all been there!
But when children are promised rewards for behaving or smiling, they can quickly start to feel like they’re here to perform.
And that’s not what we’re doing.
I don’t need forced smiles or perfectly posed children. I want to capture their personalities, their little quirks, the way they interact with you and all those tiny things that make them who they are.
Let them enjoy the experience without feeling that there’s something they need to earn.
4. Trying too hard to get the perfect photograph
The beautiful smile. The perfect pose. Everyone looking directly at the camera.
Of course, we’ll capture some lovely photographs of everyone together, but I don’t want you to spend your entire session worrying about whether the children are looking in the right direction.
Some of my favourite photographs are the ones that happen in between.
A spontaneous cuddle. A little giggle. The way your child reaches for your hand. A quiet moment on the bed.
These are the photographs that often become the most meaningful over time.
You don’t need to manufacture those moments. You just need to be present for them.
5. Arriving with hungry children
This one is simple: please feed your children before we start!
A full tummy generally makes for a much happier little human.
And yes, absolutely bring snacks if you need them. I’m never going to judge a parent for having a few emergency snacks tucked away.
Just try not to turn the entire session into a constant negotiation involving crackers, lollies and promises of screen time.
A little preparation can make a world of difference.
6. Planning a ridiculously busy day before your session
School drop-off, swimming lessons, errands, a birthday party and then straight into family photographs?
That’s a lot for anyone, let alone little people.
Your family photography session deserves a little space around it. It’s an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and enjoy your family exactly as you are right now.
Try to keep the hours before your session relatively relaxed. You’ll all arrive feeling much more present, and that makes such a difference to the experience.
So, what should you actually do before your family photo session?
Honestly? Not very much.
Come fed. Come comfortable. Leave yourself enough time. Wear something you feel good in, and try to let go of the idea that everything needs to be perfect.
Most importantly, let your children be children.
They can run, explore, be silly, feel shy, ask a hundred questions, climb all over you or need a little extra reassurance.
I’ll follow their lead.
Your family session isn’t a test
One of the things I love most about being a Melbourne family photographer is getting to photograph families in a way that feels natural to them.
My in-home family photography sessions are designed to be relaxed, child-led and completely unposed. We don’t need a beautiful location, perfectly behaved children or a house that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
We just need you.
Your home, your favourite people, the familiar little corners of your everyday life and all the beautiful chaos in between.
Because one day, you’ll miss the little feet running down the hallway, the bedtime cuddles, the silly faces and the way your children fit so perfectly into your arms.
And those are the moments I want you to remember.
You don’t need perfectly behaved children. You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera. You just need to show up, slow down and be together.
I’ll take care of the rest. 🤍
If you’re looking for a Melbourne family photographer who embraces the real, messy and beautiful parts of family life, I’d love to hear from you.
Explore my family photography sessions and let’s create something meaningful together.
Check out my family photography pricing here.
Get in touch via my contact page here.
